| The Magic Hour | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Talk show |
| Written by | Bart Jennett Colin Quashie Ernest Nyle Brown |
| Directed by | Michael Dimich |
| Presented by | Earvin "Magic" Johnson |
| Narrated by | Peter Michael Craig Shoemaker Jimmy Hodson |
| Composers | Alan Ari Lazar James Leach Lexy Shroyer |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Giovanni Brewer Jeffrey Fischgrund Earvin "Magic" Johnson Lon Rosen |
| Producers | Joe Revello Lora Wiley Ernest Nyle Brown |
| Running time | 45–48 minutes |
| Production companies | Magic Johnson Entertainment 20th Century Fox Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | Syndicated |
| Release | June 8 (1998-06-08) – September 4, 1998 (1998-09-04) |
The Magic Hour is an Americantalk show hosted by basketball playerEarvin "Magic" Johnson. The series aired insyndication from June to September 1998.
Soon after its debut, the series was panned by critics citing Johnson's apparent nervousness as a host, his overly complimentary tone with his celebrity guests, and lack of chemistry with his sidekick, comedianCraig Shoemaker. Before Shoemaker was chosen, the role was offered toStephen Colbert andJimmy Kimmel. Both rejected the role as they didn't think the character would work.[1] The series was quickly retooled with Shoemaker being relieved of his 'sidekick' responsibilities and relegated to the supporting cast after the third episode. ComedianSteve White (who had been part of the supporting cast) became the new sidekick for a period of time. Radio personality and UPN Sports host Kenny Sargent was considered for Johnson's newEd McMahon styled side man, but finally comedian and actorTommy Davidson was brought in as the new sidekick and Johnson interacted more with the show band leaderSheila E. Jimmy Hodson was the show's announcer and a comedy cast member. The format of the show was also changed to include more interview time with celebrity guests.[2][3]
One vocal critic ofThe Magic Hour wasHoward Stern. Stern would regularly mock Johnson's diction and hosting abilities on his popularmorning show.[2] In an attempt to confront Stern (and to boost ratings), Stern was booked to appear on the show as a guest (along withPlayboy PlaymateKaren McDougal[4]). Stern appeared on the July 2 broadcast with the band, the Losers, and played the song "Wipe Out".[5] While being interviewed by Johnson, Stern asked Johnson about his lifestyle prior to contractingHIV and if he practicedsafe sex with his wife. Stern also asked about "the white guy comedian", referring to Johnson's previous sidekick, Craig Shoemaker, who had been fired shortly before Stern's appearance for publicly calling the show "an absolute nightmare" (Stern mocked Shoemaker's short-lived replacement, Steve White, predicting he wouldn't last long, which came true).[6][7]
The highly publicized episode featuring Stern increased viewership for a time,[6] but ratings soon dropped off. The series was canceled after eight weeks.[8]
Johnson later blamed the demise of his talk show on a lack of support from black celebrities who refused or could not appear on his show. Johnson claimed, "Their managers and agents keep them off of the black shows."[9]
In his bookWhat Were They Thinking? The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History, author David Hofstede ranked the show at #26 on the list.[10]